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Start at Level One: Easing Into New Roles, One Quest at a Time
#369: In this episode of GT Radio, Lara shares her experience running a Dungeons & Dragons game for the first time—after years of playing but holding back from DMing due to nerves and self-doubt. The GT Radio crew reflects on what it takes to try something new, the emotional weight of stepping into unfamiliar roles, and how to make those transitions easier by building in support, safety, and flexibility.
Josué and Link join Lara in a thoughtful discussion on the benefits and challenges of easing into new experiences, including how motivation, timing, and context all affect our willingness to grow. Lara discusses how DMing a one-on-one game with her wife helped her overcome fears, and why that structure made all the difference. They also explore how past experiences—as players, clients, learners—inform our approach to leadership and creativity, especially when flipping roles.
From playing TTRPGs to building models, taking up crochet, or learning guitar, this episode dives into how geeky hobbies can serve as opportunities for emotional development and self-discovery. Whether you're a veteran player thinking about DMing or someone considering trying anything new, this episode is for you.
Characters / Media Mentioned in the Episode:
- Dungeons & Dragons (Essentials Kit)
- Vampire: The Masquerade
- Werewolf: The Apocalypse
- Kids on Brooms
- Kids on Bikes
- Star Wars RPG
- Dropout (Streaming Platform)
- Hero Forge (Miniatures)
- Gunpla / Gundam Models
- Spider-Man (Game Mention)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender RPG
Themes / Topics Discussed in the Episode:
- Self-Exploration & Growth
- Identity
- Mental Health Tools
- Creative Expression
- Trying New Things
- Play as Healing
- Flexibility & Adaptation
- Anxiety & Fear of Failure
Relatable Experiences Discussed:
- Fear/Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Role Reversal (Client to Therapist, Player to DM)
- Impostor Syndrome
- Building Confidence
- Overcoming Self-Doubt
- Creative Block
- Starting Something New After a Long Break
Continue the Discussion:
Join the conversation on the GT Forum, the Geek Therapy Discord, or follow us via social media to share your own story of trying something new, running your first game, or using TTRPGs in your personal or professional life.
Have you ever wanted to try something new but felt nervous to start?
What helped you finally make the leap—or what’s still holding you back?
How do you support others when they're trying something for the first time?
Have you used role-playing games in your mental health work, and how did you get started?
View all episodes
By Geek Therapy Network#369: In this episode of GT Radio, Lara shares her experience running a Dungeons & Dragons game for the first time—after years of playing but holding back from DMing due to nerves and self-doubt. The GT Radio crew reflects on what it takes to try something new, the emotional weight of stepping into unfamiliar roles, and how to make those transitions easier by building in support, safety, and flexibility.
Josué and Link join Lara in a thoughtful discussion on the benefits and challenges of easing into new experiences, including how motivation, timing, and context all affect our willingness to grow. Lara discusses how DMing a one-on-one game with her wife helped her overcome fears, and why that structure made all the difference. They also explore how past experiences—as players, clients, learners—inform our approach to leadership and creativity, especially when flipping roles.
From playing TTRPGs to building models, taking up crochet, or learning guitar, this episode dives into how geeky hobbies can serve as opportunities for emotional development and self-discovery. Whether you're a veteran player thinking about DMing or someone considering trying anything new, this episode is for you.
Characters / Media Mentioned in the Episode:
- Dungeons & Dragons (Essentials Kit)
- Vampire: The Masquerade
- Werewolf: The Apocalypse
- Kids on Brooms
- Kids on Bikes
- Star Wars RPG
- Dropout (Streaming Platform)
- Hero Forge (Miniatures)
- Gunpla / Gundam Models
- Spider-Man (Game Mention)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender RPG
Themes / Topics Discussed in the Episode:
- Self-Exploration & Growth
- Identity
- Mental Health Tools
- Creative Expression
- Trying New Things
- Play as Healing
- Flexibility & Adaptation
- Anxiety & Fear of Failure
Relatable Experiences Discussed:
- Fear/Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Role Reversal (Client to Therapist, Player to DM)
- Impostor Syndrome
- Building Confidence
- Overcoming Self-Doubt
- Creative Block
- Starting Something New After a Long Break
Continue the Discussion:
Join the conversation on the GT Forum, the Geek Therapy Discord, or follow us via social media to share your own story of trying something new, running your first game, or using TTRPGs in your personal or professional life.
Have you ever wanted to try something new but felt nervous to start?
What helped you finally make the leap—or what’s still holding you back?
How do you support others when they're trying something for the first time?
Have you used role-playing games in your mental health work, and how did you get started?